“The greatest of all”: Maradona dead at age 60
The football world is paying honour to one of the game’s best-ever players after Diego Maradona died aged 60 on Thursday.
He become renowned for leading the win for Argentina in the World Cup in 1986.
The country's president, Alberto Fernandez, has declared three national days of mourning for the World Cup Winner.
Fernéndez told media he was “incredibly sad” over the death of Maradona.
The football world united to pay tribute to one of the game’s greatest-ever players after Argentine legend Diego Maradona died at the age of 60 on Thursday.
He won the club’s only two Series A titles and as a result became one of the most beloved men in his homeland and Napoli in Italy.
Soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo has hailed Maradona as a true icon.
“Today I say goodbye to a friend and the world says goodbye to an eternal genius,” Ronaldo tweeted.
“One of the best ever. An unparalleled magician. He leaves too soon, but leaves a legacy without limits and a void that will never be filled. Rest in peace, ace. You will never be forgotten.”
Messi, who took over after the Argentina’s leading player, shared a heartfelt post on Instagram.
“A very sad day for all Argentines and for football. He leaves us but does not leave, because Diego is eternal,” Messi said.
“I keep all the beautiful moments lived with him and I wanted to take the opportunity to send my condolences to all his family and friends.
His former teams also paid homage to the star.
“You are eternal in every heart in world football,” the Twitter account of the Argentina national team wrote on Twitter alongside a picture of Maradona holding the World Cup.
Napoli’s Twitter said: “Always in our hearts, Ciao Diego.”
Boca posted: “Eternal thanks. Eternal Diego.”
Fellow celebrity Greg Lineker also took to social media to remember Maradona.
“By some distance the best player of my generation and arguably the greatest of all time,” he said.
“After a blessed but troubled life, hopefully he’ll finally find some comfort in the hands of God. #RipDiego.”